Heavy rain forecast to fall on already saturated soil is leading to concerns about flooding across large portions of Wisconsin through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

All of northern and western Wisconsin as well as a portion of southern Wisconsin are under flash flood watches, according to the weather service.

"Those residing near rivers and streams should remain prepared for the potential of rapid rises and flooding, and be ready to seek higher ground if flooding develops," according to a statement from the weather service office in La Crosse.

Heavy rain is forecast across northern and central Wisconsin through Wednesday night.(Photo11: National Weather Service - Green Bay)

The flash flood watch includes Wausau, Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids.

"Several rounds of rain can be expected through Wednesday. An additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is forecast by Wednesday evening with the heaviest precipitation across north-central Wisconsin," according to a statement from the weather service office in Green Bay.

"This amount of rain may result in areal flooding, as well as river flooding," according to the statement. "Anyone that lives near a river or stream should be prepared for the potential of flooding and rapid rises in rivers."

For the Milwaukee area, look for near record high temperatures on Tuesday — the record high is 82 — with increasing rain chances later in the day and into the overnight hours.

Thunderstorms are expected across Wisconsin on Tuesday and Wednesday.(Photo11: National Weather Service - Green Bay)

"As more rain falls, additional rises are expected along many of the area rivers," according to the weather service office in Sulliva.

After Tuesday's high temperature tops out right around 80, temperatures are expected to plummet across southern Wisconsin by Wednesday evening with the arrival of a cold front.

"Temperatures will drop very quickly behind the front, as 20-30 MPH west winds usher in a much colder airmass," according to the weather service. "Look for temperatures by Thursday morning to fall into the upper 30s to around 40," across southern Wisconsin.